Vestibular Syndrome in Canines

Animals such as dogs, rabbits, and cats have documented cases of vestibular syndrome. Among these, vestibular syndrome is most frequently observed in dogs. The inner ear anatomy of dogs is relatively similar to that of humans, which makes them a valuable model for comparison. Vestibular episodes in dogs are more commonly seen in older individuals, with the condition typically occurring in dogs over the age of 9, and a mean onset of 12.58 years (Radulescu et al., 2020). According to Radulescu et al. (2020), brachycephalic breeds and spaniels have a higher incidence of vestibular disease. During vestibular episodes, affected dogs may exhibit symptoms such as nystagmus, head tilt, circling, unsteadiness, and falls. Differential diagnosis often focuses on distinguishing vestibular syndrome from central lesions, such as stroke (Rossmeisl, 2010). This session will cover comparative anatomy, the etiology of vestibular syndrome, differential diagnosis, and prognosis. Additionally, three case studies will be presented.